Like many others, these sources recognize that new political leadership for Chicago and Cook County represents an opportunity to do things that might have been considered unthinkable under previous administrations, such as trimming redundant bureaucracies.

Change for its own sake isn’t necessarily desirable, but change informed by clear policy objectives can turn government agencies in productive new directions.

Picking priorities

If Rahm Emanuel and Toni Preckwinkle are willing to consider combining certain public health functions – and that’s still a big “if” – they would do well to clearly define their primary objectives, says Robert M. Petronk, executive director of the National Association of County and City Health Officials.

Is the main goal to save costs? Or is it to improve the health of Chicago and Cook County? Depending on goals that are set, a public health merger could go in very different directions.

What is clear is that the public health needs of this region are enormous. Dealing with obesity, diabetes, other chronic diseases, HIV/AIDs, sexually transmitted diseases, maternal and infant health, food safety, the emotional and physical consequences of violence, and persistent health care disparities deserves a well thought out, well coordinated response whatever new political leaders decide.